An R&B vocal group from Los Angeles, California, USA, the Blue Jays perfectly embody the transitional era between 50s R&B and 60s soul in their renditions of doo-wop-styled songs with a gospel-style lead vocal. Comprising lead singer Leon Peels (1936, Newport, Arkansas, USA), Alex Manigo, Van Earl Richardson, and Leonard Davidson, the group came together in 1961, and
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Don And Juan were a US R&B vocal duo who recorded one Top 10 ballad that has since become a doo-wop classic: Whats Your Name (1962). Don (Roland Trone) and Juan (b. Claude Johnson) were members of a vocal quartet called the Genies in Brooklyn, New York, USA. In 1959 the Genies released the up-tempo single Whos That Knockin, which
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Formed in the mid-50s in Staten Island, New York City, New York, USA, the Elegants were a white doo-wop group. They achieved a US number 1 single, Little Star, in 1958, only to disappear from the charts permanently thereafter. The group was comprised of lead vocalist Vito Picone (17 March 1940), Carman Romano (b. 17 August 1939), James Moschella (b. 10 May 1938),
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This doo-wop vocal quartet was formed in Queens, New York, USA, in 1954, originally named simply the Hearts. Three of the band members, Albert Crump (lead), Wally Roker (bass) and Vernon Sievers (baritone), met while attending Woodrow Wilson High School. They completed the line-up with Robbie Tatum from a neighbouring school. They acquired a new lead in the shape of James Shepp
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This R&B vocal group was formed in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, in 1952. If there were any group that best signalled the birth of rock n roll - by which R&B emerged out of its black subculture into mainstream teen culture - it was the Moonglows. The groups career paralleled that of their mentor, legendary disc jockey Alan Freed, who during his rise in rock
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This R&B vocal group was formed in New Haven, Connecticut, USA, in 1955. The Five Satins first hit, In The Still Of The Nite (US R&B number 3 and pop Top 30 in 1956), was one of the definitive songs of the early rock n roll era, with its strong chanting of doo-wop riffs in the background and impassioned lead work. The group on this record c
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The Nutmegs comprised lead Leroy Griffin, first tenor James Sonny Griffin, second tenor James Tyson, baritone Billy Emery and bass Leroy McNeil. The group was formed in New Haven, Connecticut, USA, in 1954. The Nutmegs are famed for just two records, Story Untold (number 2 R&B) and the follow-up, Ship Of Love (number 13 R&B), both fro
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This R&B vocal group was formed in 1959 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The Sheppards created a marvellous transitional style of R&B during the early 60s, drawing much of its character from earlier doo-wop, yet incorporating instrumentation and vocal stylings that in later years would inform soul music. They were named after their producer Bill Bunky Sheppard. Th
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This US R&B vocal group helped shape the rhythm and blues revolution of the early 50s. The ensemble was formed as the Sentimental Four in Newport News, Virginia, USA, in 1945, and originally comprised two sets of brothers - Rudy West (25 July 1932, Newport News, Virginia, USA, d. 14 May 1998, USA; first tenor) and Bernie West (b. 4 February 1930, Newport News, Virginia,
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This vocal quintet, initially called the Carnations, was formed in 1953 in New York, USA, and comprised Earl Carroll (Gregory Carroll, 2 November 1937, New York City, New York, USA), LaVerne Drake, Bobby Phillips, Johnny Willingham and James Poppa Clark, who also sang with the Five Crowns. The Cadillacs debut single, Gloria, was released by Josi
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